On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, delivering a major win for former President Donald Trump. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney, will now lead the Department of Justice.

The Republican-led Senate voted 50-49 in favor of Blanche, with Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana casting the decisive vote. Two other Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, opposed the nomination. Every Democrat voted against Blanche's confirmation.

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general prior to the vote, which followed weeks of uncertainty over his nomination. He faced criticism from some Republican senators regarding the department's establishment of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and provisions granting tax immunity to Trump, his sons, and his businesses.

Senator Cassidy acknowledged Blanche's imperfections but argued the choice was between Blanche and another acting attorney general who might not effectively manage the department under Trump. "Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche," Cassidy said on the Senate floor.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, stating that Senate Republicans had "handed Trump an excuse on a silver platter" to continue what he called "pervasive, breathtaking misconduct."

During Blanche's tenure as deputy and acting attorney general, the Department of Justice indicted former FBI Director James Comey twice, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, cases some experts viewed as weak.

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election, expressed concern about the politicization of the department under Blanche, saying, "While I believe Mr Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political. Mr Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation."

Despite the opposition, Blanche's confirmation solidifies Trump's influence over the nation's top law enforcement office.

Sources